Bengaluru, August 7, 2025 — Two recent clinical studies conducted by Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, in collaboration with the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC), New Delhi, have revealed that controlled consumption of select Indian mango varieties may support blood sugar stability and improve key metabolic markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
These findings mark a significant shift from traditional dietary advice that has long discouraged mango consumption among diabetics. The research, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (accepted for publication) and the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders (published online on August 6, 2025), offers compelling evidence that mangoes can be safely included in diabetic diets — under strict nutritional guidance.
The studies were led by Padma Shri awardee Dr. Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman of Fortis C-DOC, and Dr. Sugandha Kehar, who served as the principal investigator and first author.
Study 1 – Glycemic Stability Comparable to Bread (EJCN – Accepted for Publication)
This study involved 95 participants — 45 with type 2 diabetes and 50 without — who were evaluated using Oral Tolerance Tests (OTT) and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). Participants consumed either 250 grams of Indian mangoes (Safeda, Dasheri, or Langra) or a calorie-equivalent portion of white bread.
Key Findings:
Mangoes produced a similar or lower glycemic response than bread in both diabetic and non-diabetic groups.
Over three days of CGM tracking, diabetic participants who consumed mangoes showed a significantly lower Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursion (MAGE) — a key indicator of glucose variability — suggesting better blood sugar control.
Study 2 – 8-Week Clinical Trial Shows Metabolic Gains (Published in J. Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders)
[Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40761695/%5D
This randomized controlled trial tracked 35 individuals with type 2 diabetes over eight weeks. Participants were assigned to consume either 250 grams per day of Safeda or Dasheri mangoes or an equivalent amount of white bread for breakfast.
Results from the mango group included:
Reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c (long-term blood sugar), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
Decreases in body weight, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness, indicating improved body composition
Significant increases in HDL (good cholesterol) levels
Dr. Anoop Misra stated, “These are the first well-controlled studies showing the health benefits of incorporating small portions of mangoes in place of refined carbs like bread in a diabetic diet. However, these must be included under the guidance of a dietitian and aligned with the individual’s health status.”
Dr. Sugandha Kehar added, “Mangoes have long been wrongly blamed for raising blood sugar. Our findings suggest that, within the framework of a medically supervised diet, they may actually offer health benefits.”
Re-evaluating Mangoes in Indian Diabetic Diets
India has one of the world’s highest rates of type 2 diabetes and is also the world’s largest producer and consumer of mangoes. While mangoes have traditionally been avoided in diabetic diets due to their natural sugars, these new findings challenge that notion — suggesting they can be a healthy alternative when consumed in moderation and in place of refined carbohydrates.
Both studies were approved by institutional ethics committees, registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, and supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
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